A Controversial Night at the Barclays Center
WBA lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) faced off against underdog Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) in a highly anticipated bout that left fans and critics alike in a state of disbelief. The fight, which took place in front of a sold-out crowd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, ended in a majority draw, but the result has sparked widespread debate and anger amongst the boxing community.
The Referee’s Controversial Call
One of the most controversial moments of the fight occurred in the ninth round, when Lamont Roach landed a powerful right hand that caused Gervonta Davis to take a knee. Despite this clear knockdown, the referee decided to wave it off, a decision that has been widely condemned by fans and commentators. “I’ve never seen someone take a knee and they don’t count it as a knockdown,” tweeted Terence Crawford, a fellow boxing superstar and the WBO welterweight champion. “Must have forgot the rules for tonight.” The referee’s blunder not only affected the outcome of the fight but also cast a shadow over the entire event.
Davis’ Defensive Tactics in the Final Rounds
After the fight, Gervonta Davis defended the result, stating that he felt he pulled out the victory in the last three rounds. However, it was actually Roach who dominated during these crucial championship rounds. Roach was hitting Davis at will, frustrating the champion and getting the crowd excited. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Davis resorted to unsportsmanlike tactics, hitting Roach on the back, shouldering him, and throwing low blows. Despite these attempts, Roach maintained his composure and continued to control the fight.
The Scores and Final Punch Stats
The official scores for the fight were recorded as follows: 115-113 for Davis, 114-114, and 114-114. These scores have been heavily criticized for their apparent favoritism towards the champion, despite the clear evidence of Roach’s superior performance. The final punch stats tell a similar story: Davis landed 103 of 279 punches, for a 37% connect rate, while Roach landed 112 of 400 punches, for a 28% connect rate. The numbers paint a picture of a closely contested fight, but many argue that the margin for the draw was far too generous in Davis’ favor.
The Fans’ Reaction
The reaction from the fans was immediate and vociferous. The Barclays Center erupted in a chorus of boos and chants when the draw was announced. The crowd, which had been vociferously supporting Roach throughout the fight, was left feeling robbed of a clear victory. Social media platforms were flooded with posts from upset fans and boxing enthusiasts, calling for the result to be reviewed and the fight to be declared a no-contest.
A Day in the History of Boxing
The debate over the fairness of the result has dominated the boxing community in the days following the fight. Many are calling for a rematch, citing the clear discrepancy in the performance and the controversial referee calls. The incident not only affected the fighters but also raised questions about the integrity of the sport and the role of referees in ensuring fair play. As the debate continues, it is clear that the fight at the Barclays Center will be remembered as one of the most controversial and hotly contested nights in recent boxing history.
